Rennae Stubbs recently shared her thoughts on the reimagined mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. It will feature top players such as Madison Keys, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, among others. The event is scheduled to take place on Aug. 19 and 20, 2025, just before the singles competition, during US Open Fan Week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) recently announced the names of several prominent pairings for this year’s mixed doubles event, including Keys and Frances Tiafoe, Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend, and others.
Rennae Stubbs Spoke About US Open Mixed Doubles Event Involving Novak Djokovic, Madison Keys, and Others
The 2025 US Open mixed doubles matches will adopt a new format, and the players’ lineup will primarily feature top singles players rather than dedicated doubles specialists. This is a strategic move aimed at attracting a larger audience to the matches.
A STAR-STUDDED 🤩 lineup of teams have officially entered the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship!
More info: https://t.co/bIMJGbf3qI pic.twitter.com/Hw1yA87pgj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 17, 2025
During a recent episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs spoke about the new mixed doubles event at the New York Major. She has stated that she is excited to see the event, but also noted that the format feels somewhat exhibition-like.
“I don’t think that Errani and Vavassori can be questioned and thought about not winning because they’re doubles players as well. Part of me is so excited about this, but then there’s the flip side of it. It feels a little exhibition-y,” Stubbs said.
The former doubles World No. 1 voiced her concerns about the new format, suggesting it contributes to an exhibition-style atmosphere.
“I don’t like the best-of-four format. I think that they should do a regular set. They should play best of two sets and then a ten-point match tiebreak. Those matches only usually go for like an hour and 20 minutes anyway, that’s not taxing on anyone. I feel like it does make it very much an exhibition-type style,” she continued.
Subbs mentioned that in the past, many top singles players also participated in doubles and mixed doubles events. However, this trend has changed significantly, as the substantial earnings available in singles events have led players to focus solely on that discipline.
“There used to be great singles players that always played mixed, always played doubles, and it’s become taxing on their bodies. And also, there’s so much money now in tennis, so they don’t need to play mixed doubles or doubles to make money,” she said.
The Aussie reiterated that she is excited about the new mixed doubles event at the US Open, but she also voiced her dissatisfaction with its format. She also stated that top doubles players should be given the choice and opportunity to participate in mixed doubles competition.
“But I don’t like the fact that they’re not playing a regular scoring system. I think that detracts from it. And if you’re worried about not getting top players because it’s going to be too taxing on them, I don’t agree with that. I think you would still get them playing, it’s a knockout system, it’s not like they’re all gonna be playing the whole tournament. So I don’t like that format. I also think there should be a little onus on if you’re top ten in the world in doubles you should be allowed to be in that discussion of being in the tournament,” Stubbs added.
Keys achieved her best result at the US Open in 2017, where she finished as the runner-up after losing to fellow American Sloane Stephens in the final. In 2022, she competed in the mixed doubles event alongside her husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, and they reached the second round before being defeated by the duo of Zhang Shuai and Mate Pavić.
On the other hand, Djokovic has claimed the singles title at the US Open four times, winning in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023.
